Cignal looks to continue its winning ways in men’s volleyball after signing one of the Philippines' top setters Joshua "Owa" Retamar at their head office in Mandaluyong City.
The three-time UAAP champion chose Cignal as his new home after spending five fruitful years with the National University Bulldogs.
“Cignal ang pinili ko kasi feeling ko dito ako mag-grow sa next stage ng volleyball career ko. Alam naman natin one of the longest and winningest teams ang Cignal when it comes to the men’s division kaya gusto ko lang makatulong mapagpatuloy yun winning ways nila,” said the recently crowned two-time UAAP Finals MVP.
Retamar immediately claimed the crown with NU during his first UAAP stint in Season 81, teaming up with then-MVP Bryan Bagunas to secure back-to-back titles. After a break in the men's scene during the pandemic, he quickly returned to action, leading the Bulldogs to a 16-0 sweep in Season 85 before capping his collegiate career with a victory in Season 86 last week, defeating the UST Golden Spikers.
Owa is no stranger to the Spiker Turf scene, having previously won the Best Setter award in the 2019 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference when he represented Sta. Elena.
He is also a mainstay on the international stage, having played for the Philippine men's national team during the 30th SEA Games held in Manila. Currently, he has been named as one of the setters in the current pool for Alas Pilipinas as they aim to build Philippine men's volleyball in time for the 2025 FIVB World Championship in Manila.
“It’s both an honor and a privilege to have a setter of Owa’s caliber. It’s not an easy feat to win three UAAP titles, much less the Finals MVP award as a setter. We’re looking forward to having him on the same side of the court for many years as he sets up our spikers which will hopefully lead to wins and more championships,” says Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor, who recently won the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference title.
The 22-year-old from San Pedro, Laguna will look to help Cignal in a redemption tour in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference later in 2024 after the squad took home silver in last year’s edition.
